Japan’s Haru Nemuri Shares SXSW Showcase Performance Video & Rescheduled US Tour Dates

Japanese singer-songwriter Haru Nemuri recently shared the video of her online showcase performance from this year’s South by Southwest, which took place from Mar. 16 to 20.

Nearly 300 acts from around the globe performed during the five-day conference and festival event. The J-pop artist appeared on the last day and performed her latest single “Inori Dake Ga Aru” (“There’s nothing but prayer”), “Bang,” and “Riot” off her latest album Lovetheism.

Haru is set to drop “Seventh Heaven” later this month, the theme of the upcoming movie Colorless (“Sarugakucho de aimasho” in Japanese), opening in Japanese theaters in June after being postponed for a year due to COVID-19.

The 26-year-old artist also announced the new schedule for her U.S. tour, twice-postponed due to the pandemic.

See the rescheduled dates below:

Haru Nemuri North American Tour 2021
Mon., Nov. 1: Knitting Factory, Brooklyn, N.Y.
Tues., Nov. 2: Sleeping Village, Chicago, Ill.
Thurs., Nov. 4: DNA Lounge, San Francisco, Calif.
Sun., Nov. 7: The Echo, Los Angeles, Calif.

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Hey! Say! JUMP Debuts at No. 1, HKT48 at No. 2 on Japan Hot 100

Hey! Say! JUMP’s “Negative Fighter” rules as three songs debut in the top 10 on this week’s Billboard Japan Hot 100, dated May 10 to 16. The eight-member boy band’s 29th single debuts at No. 1 with 215,704 CDs sold in its first week, leading physical sales, look-ups, and Twitter mentions. The Johnny’s group’s previous single, “Your Song,” sold about the same number of copies in its first week (215,442), demonstrating the strength of its solid fanbase.

Bowing at No. 2 is HKT48’s “Kimi to dokoka e ikitai” (“I want to go somewhere with you”), the girl group’s 14th single. Selling 193,066 copies in its first week — about 20,000 more than the previous single, “3-2” (172,981) — the song comes in at No. 2 for sales, which mainly powered the song to its debut position. The track also comes in at No. 20 for look-ups and No. 89 for Twitter.

Breakout duo YOASOBI’s new digital single “Mou sukoshi dake” (“A little bit more”) launches at No. 4 on the Japan Hot 100 with 45,931 first-week downloads (No. 1). The song currently being featured as this year’s theme of the morning show Mezamashi TV also racked up 7,022,437 streams to come in at No. 4 for the metric, while also starting off at No. 6 for radio airplay, No. 18 for video views, and No. 42 for Twitter. Like their previous hits “Kaibutsu” and “Yoru ni kakeru,” the pair’s ninth digital single still has room for growth in the video metric, and it looks like they’ve added another title to their stash of long-running hits in the upper ranks of the Japan Hot 100.

The Billboard Japan Hot 100 combines physical and digital sales, audio streams, radio airplay, Twitter mentions, YouTube and GYAO! video views, Gracenote look-ups and karaoke data.

Check out the full Billboard Japan Hot 100 chart, dated May 10 to 16, here.

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Carnival’s Princess Cruises, Holland America are set to restart U.S. cruises this summer

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FBI, BSO dig up human remains buried underground six years ago. Investigators seek answers

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Even the pandemic can’t stop the 2021 Silver Knight Award winners from shining brightly

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Lightfoot shrugs off backlash over granting interviews to only reporters of color, calls racial makeup of City Hall press corps ‘an embarrassment’

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The Players Behind Masked Wolf’s ‘Astronaut in the Ocean’: See the Full Credits

Australian rapper Masked Wolf (born Harry Michael) is having an out-of-this-world chart week with his breakthrough, TikTok-assisted single “Astronaut in the Ocean,” which soared to No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Rap Songs chart this week while also enjoying its highest placement yet on the Hot 100 at No. 6.

“Astronaut in the Ocean” drew 19.9 million U.S. streams in the week ending May 13, according to MRC Data, a new weekly best for the song. Radio airplay also surged, with audience impressions up to 33.7 million in the week ending May 16, an 18% jump from the previous week. The track currently sits at No. 16 on the all-genre Radio Songs tally.

Explore the team of musicians, producers and more behind the track with recording credits provided by Jaxsta below.

Artists:
Main Artist – Masked Wolf

Songwriters:
Composer Lyricist – Harry Michael
Composer Lyricist – Tyron Hapi

Producers:
Producer – Tyron Hapi

Engineers:
Masterer – Klaus Hill
Mixer – Tyron Hapi
Vocal Engineer – Simon Cohen

Labels:
Distributor – Warner Music Group
Label – Elektra Records

Explore the full “Astronaut in the Ocean” credits on Jaxsta here.

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Federal Judge Denies Anita White’s Motion to Dismiss Lady A’s Suit Against the Blues Singer

A federal judge in Memphis has denied Anita White’s motion to dismiss the band Lady A’s declaratory judgement action against the Pacific Northwest—based blues singer.

On May 13, Judge William Campbell also denied White’s request to transfer venues from Middle Tennessee, where Lady A originally filed its suit, to Washington State. Courthouse News first reported the ruling.

The band’s suit, filed under their individual names of Hillary Scott, Charles Kelley and David Haywood, asks for a ruling confirming that the trio, formerly known as Lady Antebellum, is not violating White’s purported trademark rights by using the name Lady A.

Last June, the band announced that it would stop using the Lady Antebellum name, “in recognition of the hurtful connotations of the word ‘antebellum,’ according to the 20-page ruling, and would continue on as Lady A. The band had registered and received several trademarks for the name Lady A with the United States Patent and Trademark Office going as far back as 2010 with no opposition.

After Lady A announced the name changed, White came forward, stating she had performed under the name Lady A for decades, and cited albums released under that name going back as far as 2010. She hired a Memphis-based attorney and engaged in conversations with the band over the next several weeks. The band’s attorneys drafted a “co-existence” agreement, which White rejected.

Later in June 2020, White enlisted a new attorney who sent the band a new co-existence agreement which demanded payment of $5 million to White and another $5 million to charities selected by her. The band did not respond to that agreement.

Instead, in July, the band filed the declaratory judgment action against White. In response, White alleged she has used the name for three decades and owns common law rights on the name and sought relief for “trademark infringement and unfair competition.”

The judge dismissed the request to transfer jurisdiction based on, among other issues, that White had performed or traveled to Memphis using the name Lady A no fewer than five times over the last several years and her music is available for download in Tennessee, as well as she had hired Memphis-based course. The three members of Lady A are Tennessee residents.

On White’s second argument that the case against her be dismissed because “it is an improper ‘anticipatory’ declaratory judgment action.” Among the reasons White cites is that “the plaintiffs failed to continue negotiations after receiving her $10 million offer, and filed this suit instead. Defendant argues the plaintiff’s ‘gamesmanship’ is similar to that criticized by the courts” in other cases. The judge disagreed, writing that “there is no evidence Plaintiffs engaged in any other behavior that ‘misled’ Defendant into believing negotiations would continue. Indeed, it would not have been unreasonable for Plaintiffs to believe Defendant effectively ended negotiations by extending a revised settlement offer requiring a $10 million payment that was not a part of the earlier discussions.”

Lady A’s representative declined to comment on the ruling. White’s representative did not respond to a request for comment.

No further court date for the case has been set.

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Every Latin Album Release in May 2021: Lunay, Juanes, Natalia Lafourcade & More

In the remaining weeks of May, many Latin artists will be dropping their albums, just in time for the Latin Grammys submission deadline of May 31.

On that date, to be considered worthy of recognition in the Latin Grammy process, artists must have entered recordings and music videos released during the eligibility period (June 1, 2020-May 31, 2020).

Though Billboard can’t confirm if this is the plan for the wave of new Latin album releases in May, it’s evident that music lovers will have tons of music of all genres to enjoy this summer.

From Lunay’s “El Niño” to Carlos Rivera’s “Leyendas,” and beyond, check out all of the sets below.

Abhir Hathi – Lazos y Nudos
Release Date: May 21

Newcomer Abhir Hathi brings his debut album charged with futuristic trap sounds, indie-EDM fusions and more, as heard in previously released singles “Reflejos,” “Perros,” “Rodeos” and “A Medias Verdades” in collaboration with KIDDO and Recycled J.

Alex Cuba – Mendó
Release Date: May 21

Bringing his distinctive folk, funk and rock hybrid to life, the four-time Latin Grammy winner presents his new album Mendó, a testament to the respect other artists have for Alex. On this set, Cuba collaborates with renowned artists including  Antonio Carmona, Cimafunk, Lila Downs, Gian Marco, Raul Midón and Gilberto Santa Rosa.

Andres Calamaro – Dios Los Cria
Release Date: May 28

Argentine rock icon Andrés Calamaro is teaming with artists such as Vicentico, Lila Downs, Julio Iglesias and Raphael for his upcoming album Dios Los Cría. The 15-track set will breathe fresh air to some of Calamaro’s anthems including “Flac” in collaboration with Alejandro Sanz and “Tantas Veces” in duet with Mon Laferte.

Carlos Rivera – Leyendas
Release Date: May 21

Mexican crooner Carlos Rivera will take fans on a trip down memory lane with his album Leyendas, in which he offers a new rendition of Latin’s most classic songs and, at the same time, honors the legacy of Latin music greats such as José Luis Perales, Gloria Estefan and Franco De Vita, to name a few. “Honoring the great legends of our music is an obligation for all of us who follow the path that they made,” Rivera said in a statement.

El Prefe – El Sueño de un Niño
Release Date: May 21

Cuban newcomer El Prefe (short for “el preferido”) makes his big debut in the music industry with El Sueño de un Niño, produced by Latin Grammy-winning producer Mr. Vla. The 12-song album, home to trap, drill, reggaeton and dembow tunes, includes collaborations with Leslie Shaw, Gemelo and Mr. Vla.

JFab & Paola Fabre – Pa’ Que Te Duela
Release Date: May 21

Dominica duo JFab & Paola Fabre are keeping traditional and modern bachata alive with their first-ever album dubbed Pa’ Que Te Duela. The album, according to the rising music pair, is “full of love, passion, and many mixed feelings, a dream come true.”

Juan Ingaramo – La Batalla
Release Date: May 21

Inagaramo, a 2019 Latin Grammy nominee for best new artist, will drop his fourth studio album, La Batalla, which includes his hazy urban-pop single “Casamiento.” The Argentine singer-songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist has collaborated with artists such as Los Ángeles Azules, Julieta Venegas and Jesse Baez, to name a few.

Juan Pablo Vega – Juan Pablo Vega
Release Date: May 21

Artist-producer Juan Pablo Vega will present his self-titled sophomore album, home to innovative R&B, pop, indie, groove, funk and reggae melodies. Vega began teasing fans with his new music as early as January 2020, including singles “Prófugos” with Colombian rapper Mabiland and “Matando” in collaboration with Spanish artist Vic Mirallas.

Juanes – Origen
Release Date: May 21

Juanes’ forthcoming 10th studio album titled Origen is a collection of reimagined songs that have inspired his career. The set was previewed with a  captivating cover of Fito Paez’s 1992 love anthem “El Amor Después del Amor” and subsequently, the Colombian star released a Spanish-language version of Bruce Springsteen’s “Dancing in the Dark.” Origen will be released along with a documentary set to premiere on Amazon Prime that same day.

Lenny Tavarez – KRACK
Release Date: May 27

Lenny Tavarez kicked off 2021 presenting new music from what would become his debut solo album, KRACK, dropping this month. The set, which was released as a series of four songs per month, includes already-released singles “TBT,” a romantic reggaeton with Brytiago, “Discipulos” with Dalex and corrido tumbao “Enfermados de Riqueza” with Natanael Cano and Ovi, to name a few. “‘KRACK’ is the most commercial album I’ve done,” the artist previously told Billboard. 

Leonel Garcia – 45RPM
Release Date: May 21

Mexican Singer-songwriter Leonel García is set to release his eighth studio album as a soloist titled 45RPM, the title derived from the most common form of the vinyl single and its play speed. As ever, García deftly fuses R&B, soul and pop in this 17-track set that is set to follow his 2020 covers album Amor Pesado.

Los Plebes del Rancho de Ariel Camacho & Christian Nodal – Recordando a una Leyenda
Release Date: May 21

Paying homage to the late sierreño star, Ariel Camacho, Los Plebes del Rancho and Christian Nodal have joined forces on Recordando una Leyenda, a 10-track set where they revamp Camacho’s hits such as “Hablemos” and “Ya Lo Supere.” The album also includes the bonus track “2 Veces,” which hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Airplay and top 10 on Latin Airplay.

Luis Figueroa – Canciones del Alma
Release Date: May 28

Puerto Rican tropical and pop-urban singer-songwriter, Luis Figueroa, will drop his debut studio set, Canciones del Alma, an album that will include his versions of songs that have “inspired and molded him into the artist he is today.” His single “Hasta El Sol de Hoy,” nabbed Figueroa his first top 10 on any Billboard airplay chart, rising 18-9.

Lunay – El Niño
Release Date: May 21

Lunay’s highly-awaited sophomore album El Niño comes two years after his Billboard-charting debut Epico. Marking the first release under La Familia Records, Chris Jedi and Gaby Music’s independent label, El Niño is a celebration of Lunay’s life and career up to now. “I wanted to make an album before I was 21 to reflect everything that I am right now – what I’m living and what I’ve learned so far – making fun songs for the streets and the clubs, while still being El Niño inside and outside the studio,” he said in a statement. The album includes collaborations with Chencho Corleone, Anitta, Bryant Meyers, Zion, Chanell, and Juliito.

Marrón – in
Release Date: May 21

With the release of his 10-track set, Brooklyn-based artist Marrón will continue to showcase his synth-wave and ’80s-influenced melodies. With singles such as “Lockdown,” “Friend,” “This Side,” and “Till I Find You,” the set also includes music videos that will take fans into a Stranger Things meets John Hughes journey. “Just A Little Longer” is the focus track.

Natalia Lafourcade – Un canto por México Vol. 2
Release Date: May 28

A continuation of her Latin Grammy-winning and Grammy-nominated 2020 album Un Canto Por México Vol. 1, part two is set to drop May 28 featuring star-studded collaborations with Pepe Aguilar, Jorge Drexler, and Mon Laferte, among others. Like Vol. 1, this second album honors Lafourcade’s love and admiration for Mexico’s folklore and culture.

Queralt Lahoz – Pureza
Release Date: May 28

Spanish singer Queralt Lahoz will soon drop her album Pureza, including her new single “Si la luna quiere.” The mesmerizing track can easily set the tone for the album with traditional-meets-modern flamenco melodies full of sentiment and energy.

Rawayana – Cuando los Acefalos Predominan
Release Date: May 31

Venezuelan artist collective, Rawayana, will release a subtle yet mature protest album about the situation in Venezuela and other Latin American countries with the release of Cuando los Acefalos Predominan. Home to collaborations with other Venezuelan artists, such as Los Amigos Invisibles, Cheo Pardo, and Akapellah, the album will be released with a month-long art installation in Mexico City, where fans can experience life in Latin America via art.

The Mavericks – En Español Edición Deluxe
Release Date: May 21

Grammy-winning band The Mavericks are set to drop a special deluxe version of their first-ever Spanish-language album aptly titled En Español. “En Español Edicion Deluxe” will expand the collection featuring more Mavericks tracks in Spanish, including their recently released “Por Ti Yo Quiero Ser.” Released in August, the set scored the country music band’s first top 10 on the all-genre Top Latin Albums chart (dated Sept 5.).

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